Former Australian captain Mark Waugh has suggested dropping star batsman Babar Azam from the Sydney Sixers ahead of the Big Bash League (PBL) 15 match against the winner of the knockout clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
During a recent discussion ahead of the rain-affected knockout game, Waugh shared the current batting line-up and the changes he believes are necessary to improve the team’s chances in the tournament.
“I think it’s a bit of tough love. They need to revamp their batting because, at the moment, they are completely dependent on Steve Smith. Sam Curran bailed them out of jail in another game. He’s gone. So right now, there aren’t a lot of in-form players,” Waugh said.
Commenting on the 60-year-old Babar’s current form and the team’s strategy for the upcoming tournament, he expressed concern over the top-order’s performance.
“So, I’ll bring in Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk. Unfortunately, I have to drop Babar Azam. You know, I know he hasn’t done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world-class, but when you think about winning this tournament, he hasn’t delivered so far.
He further outlined his plan to pick a new opener, weighing various options to strengthen the Sixers’ top order.
“So I’m thinking about a new starter. You can open Moises Henriques, or you can bring in Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk—one of those two heads. That’s how I’m thinking,” explained Waugh.
Notably, the right-handed batsman has featured in 11 BBL matches so far this season, scoring 202 runs at 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two fifties.
In yesterday’s PBL qualifier against the Perth Scorchers, the 31-year-old fought back to duck the second ball. Chasing 148, Babar was stumped by Josh Inglis off Cooper Connolly in the second ball of the first over.